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Here are several answers to the survey that the readers of "The Bonsai Site" have contributed :
This survey is now closed, but if you wish to contribute your views on our current survey, click here. If you want to see other past surveys, click here.
Out of the 31 people that contributed to this survey in February, 1999, the most popular tropical plant for use in bonsai was voted by far as the FICUS, particularly FICUS BENJAMINA. Its most noted attributes were how resistant it is to neglect, forgiving attitude, aesthetic aerial roots and how it can be trained into many styles. Other plants frequently mentioned were the SERISSA and BOUGAINVILLEA.
Question :"What is your preferred tropical plant for bonsai, or which one has given you the best results?"
Opinions :
31-40 years old, practicing bonsai for over 5 years, doesn't use superthrive. The CHINESE BANYAN FIG (Ficus retusa) grows quickly, can be brought indoors for winter in colder climes and puts out beautiful aerial roots. In the sun, the leaves reduce readily and it quickly takes on the look of a full sized banyan. Danny Santos from zone 7, Fredericksburg, VA, US, says : 41-50 years old, practicing bonsai for over 15 years, does use superthrive. I choose SERISSA because they are so tree-like with their very small leaves and exposed roots. The appearance of age can quickly be accomplished and the flowers are beautiful. Can be difficult for a novice but the rewards of learning how to grow them are great. Great idea with these surveys. Thanks and keep up the good work. Tzhe Lam from zone 8, Vancouver, Canada says : 21-30 years old, practicing bonsai for 2 years, does use superthrive. The FICUS BENJAMINA is one of the few indoor plants that I have had any success with. Very forgiving and resistant to unintentional neglect.
Alex Zonis from zone5a, Chicago, US says : 31-40 years old, practicing bonsai for 2 years, doesn't use superthrive. I choose the CHINESE PLUM because it is not finicky and a relatively easy tree, with small proportionate leaves and a beautiful trunk. It easily assumes gnarled appearance.
Bambi Nix from zone 7, Birmingham, US, says : 31-40 years old, just started bonsai, doesn't use superthrive. FICUS BENJAMINA. This thing is the "plastic" of bonsai, it can be shaped into any form and would be welcome in any home environment. It seems to enjoy being pampered, but if you ignore it, it will happily revert to its natural big state with no ill effects. I also like anything that produces air roots.... just a personal fetish. DK Halls from zone 3-4, Ada, MN, US says : 31-40 years old, practicing bonsai for over 2 years, doesn't use superthrive. FICUS RETUSA 'KINGMAN'. Beautiful tree that responds readily to most training techniques. Undemanding and forgiving of mistakes. Easily propagated. Interesting red bark with light specks, develops good surface roots and butress. (Not attractive with jin or shari.) Remi Legace from zone 4a, Buckingham, Canada says : 21-30 years old, just started practicing bonsai. FICUS. Very easy to take care of and it can take a Beating... Rick McCarthy (Pres. Greater Louisville Bonsai Soc.) from zone 6, Louisville, US, says : 41-50 years old. Rick's Bonsai Website : SAMAN RAIN TREE (brazilian). An easy one to grow. No known insect or disease problems.
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